Caitlin Clark’s rocky start to her WNBA career took another turn on Monday night when Connecticut Sun player DiJonai Carrington openly mocked the Indiana Fever rookie for what she believed to be an embellished foul call. The incident occurred during the second quarter of the Fever’s game against the Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena.
When Carrington nudged Clark as she was driving to the basket, the referee called a foul on the Sun player. Clearly believing that Clark had flopped to draw the whistle, Carrington taunted the rookie by imitating her exaggerated head and neck motion. Clark, visibly irritated by the mockery, managed to sink her subsequent free throws, but Carrington and the Sun had the last laugh.
Connecticut’s defense stifled Clark, limiting her to just 10 points, all of which came in the first half. The former Iowa standout was benched in the second half as the Fever fell further behind on the scoreboard. The Sun ultimately cruised to an 89-72 victory, handing the Fever their tenth loss of the season, with a record now standing at 3-10.
This latest setback adds to the mounting challenges Clark has faced in her rookie campaign. Earlier this month, she was the victim of a cheap-shot foul by Atlanta Dream guard Chennedy Carter. Additionally, Clark was notably left off the Team USA roster for the upcoming Olympics.
Despite the loss and ongoing struggles, Clark remained optimistic in her post-game comments to reporters, stating that she and her team have “two very winnable games” on the horizon later this week.
As the WNBA season progresses, all eyes will be on Clark to see how she responds to the adversity and criticism she has faced in her first year as a professional. The highly touted rookie will need to adapt quickly to the physicality and intensity of the league if she hopes to silence her doubters and live up to the lofty expectations that accompanied her entry into the WNBA.
Credit: TMZ
